1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose hyperscale data center development in Alabama and to reject any non-disclosure agreements related to these projects. These massive facilities threaten our water supply at a time when Alabama lacks the legal framework to protect this critical resource for future generations. Hyperscale data centers consume more power and water than medium-sized cities. The water demands are particularly severe in Alabama because both the data centers and the power plants supplying them require enormous quantities of water. Data centers use water to cool equipment that heats up during computing operations, creating a double burden on our already vulnerable water resources. Alabama operates under antiquated water law without a comprehensive water plan. This means our state cannot prioritize essential water needs like agriculture, human consumption, and environmental flows over luxury uses like data center cooling during droughts. The current legal framework creates uncertainty for all water users. All surface water withdrawals may be subject to lawsuits, and off-tract use of surface water is illegal and can be stopped by courts. No water user in Alabama can be confident about avoiding disruptions during drought conditions. Communities in Bessemer and McCalla are already defending their land and water against data center development. These projects will impact wildlife habitats and deprive future generations of the natural resources they deserve to inherit and experience. Our children need clean water and thriving ecosystems more than they need additional AI computing capacity. I strongly oppose selling our natural resources to the highest bidder when the consequences will affect generations of Alabamians. Please stand with your constituents by opposing hyperscale data center development and refusing to sign any NDAs that prevent transparent public discussion of these projects. Alabama needs a comprehensive water plan before we commit our limited water resources to industrial uses that benefit corporations at the expense of our communities.